U.S. patent application number 10/011806 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-25 for constant velocity ball joint as a counter track joint.
Invention is credited to Krude, Werner.
Application Number | 20020098894 10/011806 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7665668 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020098894 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krude, Werner |
July 25, 2002 |
Constant velocity ball joint as a counter track joint
Abstract
The invention relates to a constant velocity ball joint in the
form of a counter track joint, comprising an outer joint part with
outer tracks, an inner joint part with inner tracks, torque
transmitting balls received in pairs of tracks formed of outer
tracks and inner tracks which are outwardly curved with reference
to the longitudinal joint axis, and a ball cage with cage windows
in which the balls are held in a common plane and guided on to the
angle-bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. First outer
tracks, together with first inner tracks, form first pairs of
tracks whose first control angles open in a first axial direction
and in which first balls are held. Second outer tracks, together
with second inner tracks, form second pairs of tracks whose control
angles open in a second axial direction and in which second balls
are held, with the control angles being defined as angles between
the tangents at the ball contact points in the pairs of tracks. The
outer joint part and the inner joint part are axially displaceable
relative to one another. The first control angle and the second
control angle change in opposite senses when a relative axial
displacement occurs. The axial displacement path is limited to
observing a minimum value of at least 8.degree. for the respective
smaller control angle.
Inventors: |
Krude, Werner;
(Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert P. Renke
28333 Telegraph Road, Suite 250
Southfield
MI
48034
US
|
Family ID: |
7665668 |
Appl. No.: |
10/011806 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
464/145 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16D 2003/22306
20130101; F16D 3/223 20130101; F16D 2003/22309 20130101; F16D
3/2245 20130101; Y10S 464/906 20130101; F16D 3/2237 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
464/145 |
International
Class: |
F16D 003/16; F16D
003/36; F16D 003/50 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 4, 2000 |
DE |
100 60 120.0 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A constant velocity ball joint in the form of a counter track
joint, comprising: an outer joint part with outer tracks, an inner
joint part with inner tracks, torque transmitting balls which are
received in pairs of tracks comprising said outer tracks and inner
tracks which are curved outwardly with reference to a longitudinal
joint axis, and a ball cage with cage windows in which the balls
are held in a common plane and are guided on to an angle-bisecting
plane when the joint is articulated; first outer tracks, together
with first inner tracks, form first pairs of tracks whose first
control angles (.beta..sub.1) open in a first axial direction
(R.sub.1) and in which first balls are held; and second outer
tracks, together with second inner tracks, form second pairs of
tracks whose second control angles (.beta..sub.2) open in a second
axial direction (R.sub.2) and in which second balls are held;
wherein the control angles (.beta..sub.1, .beta..sub.2) are defined
as angles between tangents at ball contact points in the tracks
pairs; and wherein the outer joint part and the inner joint part
are axially displaceable relative to one another and the first
control angles (.beta..sub.1) and the second control angles
(.beta..sub.2) change in opposite senses when a relative axial
displacement occurs, the axial displacement path (V.sub.max) being
limited to a maximum value that changes the control angles
(.beta..sub.1, .beta..sub.2) so as to be not less than 8.degree.
for the smaller of the respective control angles (.beta..sub.1,
.beta..sub.2).
2. A joint according to claim 1, wherein in an axial position of
the joint with identical control angles
(.beta..sub.1=.beta..sub.2), the ball cage comprises axial play
relative to the outer joint part and the inner joint part.
3. A joint according to claim 1, wherein the axial displacement
path is delimited by end edges of the inner joint part stopping
against a spherical inner face of the ball cage.
4. A joint according to claim 2, wherein the axial displacement
path is delimited by end edges of the inner joint part stopping
against a spherical inner face of the ball cage.
5. A joint according to claim 3, wherein an inner face of the outer
joint part is internally cylindrical.
6. A joint according to claim 3, wherein an inner face of the outer
joint part is internally cylindrical.
7. A joint according to claim 1, wherein the axial displacement
path is delimited by circumferential edges in the outer joint part
stopping against a spherical outer face of the ball cage.
8. A joint according to claim 2, wherein the axial displacement
path is delimited by circumferential edges in the outer joint part
stopping against a spherical outer face of the ball cage.
9. A joint according to claim 7, wherein the circumferential edges
comprise two inner cones in the outer joint part which are
connected to one another by an inner cylinder.
10. A joint according to claim 8, wherein the circumferential edges
comprise two inner cones in the outer joint part which are
connected to one another by an inner cylinder.
11. A joint according to claim 7, wherein the inner face of the
ball cage is internally cylindrical.
12. A joint according to claim 8, wherein the inner face of the
ball cage is internally cylindrical.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a constant velocity ball
joint permitting axial displacement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The most frequent type of plunging joints are so-called VL
joints (cross-groove joints) such as according to DE 31 02 871 C2
wherein the center lines of the outer tracks and of the inner
tracks each form oppositely directed angles of intersection with
the longitudinal joint axis and are positioned in planes extending
parallel to the longitudinal joint axis or on a cylindrical face
around the longitudinal joint axis.
[0003] From U.S. Pat. No. 3,133,431, there are known plunging
joints wherein the center lines of the outer tracks and of the
inner tracks form identically sized angles of intersection with the
longitudinal joint axis, i.e., they are positioned in planes which
contain the longitudinal joint axis itself.
[0004] Both the above-mentioned types of joint are joints with
straight tracks.
[0005] It would be desirable to provide a new type of plunging
joint for large articulation angles and relatively short
displacement paths.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a constant velocity ball
joint in the form of a counter track joint. The joint includes an
outer joint part with outer tracks, an inner joint part with inner
tracks, torque transmitting balls which are received in pairs of
tracks consisting of outer tracks and inner tracks which are curved
outwardly with reference to the longitudinal joint axis A, and a
ball cage with cage windows in which the balls are held in a common
plane and are guided on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint
is articulated. First outer tracks, together with first inner
tracks, form first pairs of tracks whose first control angles
.beta..sub.1 open in a first axial direction and in which first
balls are held. Second outer tracks, together with second inner
tracks, form second pairs of tracks whose second control angles
.beta..sub.2 open in a second axial direction and in which second
balls are held. The control angles .beta..sub.1, .beta..sub.2 are
defined as angles between tangential planes at the ball contact
points in the tracks. Further, the outer joint part and the inner
joint part are axially displaceable relative to one another and the
first control angles .beta..sub.1 and the second control angles
.beta..sub.2 change in opposite senses when a relative axial
displacement occurs. The axial displacement path V.sub.max is
limited to a maximum value that produces a minimum value of at
least 8.degree. for the respective smaller control angles
.beta..sub.1, .beta..sub.2. The present joint provides an axial
displacement path having at least 0.8 mm, and preferably more than
1.0 mm of play. This is substantially above the axial play of fixed
joints, which in comparison is at most 0.5 mm.
[0007] In one form of the displacement path, the joint in
accordance with the invention provides a way to uncouple axial
vibrations and thus contributes towards improving the noise,
vibration, harshness (NVH) behavior. The present design is also
advantageous in that it is possible to un-fine the surfaces during
the machining operations. Also, the design of the tracks provides a
joint with axial centring characteristics.
[0008] In particular, the tracks are curved as in Rzeppa joints or
undercut-free (UF) joints. As a consequence, even with larger
articulation angles, there is achieved adequate ball control due to
sufficiently large control angles.
[0009] By limiting the axial displacement path, it is ensured that
the control angles do not become too small as a result of the axial
displacement. The stops for delimiting the axial plunging path can
become effective exclusively between the outer joint part and the
cage, or exclusively between the inner joint part and the cage, or
between both pairs simultaneously; in each case when the joint is
in the aligned position, in which case the longitudinal axes of the
inner joint part and of the outer joint part coincide. As the ball
cage is radially set free relative to the inner joint part and to
the outer joint part, the joint is characterised by particularly
low friction. Furthermore, because of the counter-track formation,
it is ensured that the joint is axially self-centring and that the
forces acting on the cage are kept within certain limits. In
addition, the way in which the balls are enveloped by the tracks in
a cross-sectional view is particularly advantageous.
[0010] Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon
reading the following detailed description and appended claims, and
upon reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a more complete understanding of this invention,
reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in
greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by
way of examples of the invention.
[0012] In the drawings, fixed joints with counter tracks are
compared with inventive joints; both will be described in detail
below.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a prior art fixed joint with counter tracks
according to the state of the art, having Rzeppa tracks: (a) in a
longitudinal section through a pair of counter tracks; (b) in a
bent longitudinal section through a cage web.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a prior art fixed joint with counter tracks,
having undercut-free (UF) tracks: (a) in a longitudinal section
through a pair of counter tracks; (b) in a bent longitudinal
section through a cage web.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows an inventive joint in a first embodiment with
Rzeppa tracks in a bent longitudinal section through a cage
web.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a detail X of FIG. 3 in an enlarged scale: (a)
in an axially centered position of the joint; (b) with maximum
axial displacement of the joint.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detail of a joint similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 3 with maximum axial displacement: (a) in a
first modified embodiment; (b) in a second modified embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows an inventive joint in a second embodiment with
Rzeppa tracks in a bent longitudinal section through a cage
web.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a detail X of FIG. 6 in an enlarged
illustration: (a) in an axially centered position of the joint; (b)
with maximum axial displacement of the joint.
[0020] FIG. 8 shows an inventive joint in a third embodiment with
Rzeppa tracks in a bent longitudinal section through a cage
web.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows the detail X of FIG. 8 in an enlarged scale:
(a) in an axially centered position of the joint; (b) with a
maximum axial displacement of the joint.
[0022] FIG. 10 shows an inventive joint in a fourth embodiment with
Rzeppa tracks in a bent section through a cage web.
[0023] FIG. 11 shows the detail X of FIG. 10 in an enlarged scale:
(a) in an axially centered position of the joint; (b) with maximum
axial displacement of the joint.
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates the principle of an inventive joint in a
longitudinal section through a pair of counter tracks, leaving out
the ball cage: (a) with maximum axial displacement in a first
direction; (b) in an axially centered position of the joint; (c)
with maximum axial displacement in the second direction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] FIGS. 1 and 2 refer to prior art joints for comparative
purposes and to complete the description. They will be described
jointly. A joint 11 includes an outer joint part 12 with a
formed-on journal 13, an inner joint part 14 with a plug-in
aperture 15 for a shaft, balls 16.sub.1, 16.sub.2 and a cage 17
having windows 18 in which the balls are held. The joints are
counter track joints. Thus, first outer ball tracks 19.sub.1 in the
outer joint part 12 and first inner ball tracks 20.sub.1 in the
inner joint part 14, which tracks hold first balls 16.sub.1, are
designed axially oppositely relative to second outer ball tracks
19.sub.2 in the outer joint part 12 and second inner ball tracks
20.sub.2 in the inner joint part 14, which tracks hold second balls
16.sub.2. The first pairs of tracks 19.sub.1, 20.sub.1 have control
angles which open in a first direction R.sub.1. The second pairs of
tracks 19.sub.2, 20.sub.2 have control angles which open in a
second direction R.sub.2. The counter track formations are achieved
in that the centers of curvature of the outer ball tracks 19.sub.1,
19.sub.2 in the outer joint part are circumferentially alternately
offset in opposite axial directions relative to the central joint
plane E, and equally, the centers of curvature of the inner ball
tracks 20.sub.1, 20.sub.2 in the inner joint part 14 are
circumferentially alternately offset in opposite axial directions
relative to the central joint plane E. The central joint plane is
defined by the centers of the balls.
[0026] The ball cage 17 includes a spherical outer face 21 which is
guided in a spherical inner face 22 of the outer joint part 12.
Furthermore, the cage includes a spherical inner face 23 in which
there is guided a spherical outer face 24 of the inner joint part
14. As a result of this configuration, the joints become fixed
joints.
[0027] The track center lines 9.sub.1, 10.sub.1 of the tracks
19.sub.1, 20.sub.1 as well as the track center lines 9.sub.2,
10.sub.2 of the tracks 19.sub.2, 20.sub.2 intersect one another in
the central joint plane E when the joint is in the aligned
condition. Whereas in FIG. 1, the center lines 9, 10 of the tracks
are entirely circular arches, the center lines 9, 10 of the tracks
in FIG. 2 are formed by circular arches with an adjoining
axis-parallel tangent.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a joint 11.sub.3 which is similar to that shown
in FIG. 1 but differs substantially in certain details. The details
which correspond to one another have been given the same reference
numbers. To that extent, reference is made to the description
above. In particular, reference is made to the illustrated outer
tracks 19.sub.1 and inner tracks 20.sub.1 as well as to the outer
tracks 20.sub.2 and inner tracks 20.sub.2 which are not shown in
FIG. 3 for simplification. The details which deviate from FIG. 1
have been given the index 3 and will be referred to below. With the
joint of FIG. 3, the spherical outer face 21.sub.3 of the ball cage
17.sub.3 is arranged at a radial distance from the spherical inner
face 22.sub.3 of the outer joint part 12.sub.3. Furthermore, the
spherical inner face 23.sub.3 of the ball cage 17.sub.3 is arranged
at a radial distance from the spherical outer face 24.sub.3 of the
inner joint part 14.sub.3. As a result, there is achieved, as will
be explained in greater detail below, a relative axial
displaceability between the outer joint part 12.sub.3 and the inner
joint part 14.sub.3, with the ball cage 17.sub.3 setting itself to
half the path.
[0029] In FIG. 4a, in the enlarged detail X of FIG. 3, any details
corresponding to those in FIG. 3 have been given the same reference
numbers, with reference being made to the previous description.
[0030] In FIG. 4b, the enlarged detail X of FIG. 3 is in a modified
position, with the central joint plane, in its relative position
relative to the outer joint part 12.sub.3, being arbitrarily used
as the reference plane E.sub.B. With respect hereto, the inner
joint part 14.sub.3 is axially moved towards the right by the
displacement path VI, whereas the ball cage 17.sub.3 is moved
towards the right by half the size of the displacement path VC. In
this position, an inner edge 25.sub.3 of the outer joint part
12.sub.3 stops against the outer face 21.sub.3 of the ball cage
17.sub.3, whereas at the same time an outer edge 26.sub.3 of the
inner joint part 14.sub.3 stops against the inner face 23.sub.3 of
the ball cage 17.sub.3. An outer edge 27.sub.3 of the ball cage and
a second outer edge 28.sub.3 of the inner joint part form
corresponding stops, with the displacement path of the same size
extending in the opposite direction. An angle .varies..sub.1 at the
ball cage is the angle between the central plane of the ball cage
and the line of contact with the edge 25.sub.3, and an angle
.varies..sub.2 at the ball cage 17.sub.3 is the angle between the
central plane of the ball cage and the line of contact with the
edge 26.sub.3. The radius of the inner face 22.sub.3 at the outer
joint part has been given the reference symbol RO and the radius of
the face 21.sub.3 at the ball cage has been given the reference
symbol RC.
[0031] FIG. 5a shows part of a modified inventive joint similar to
that illustrated in FIG. 4b. Identical parts have been given
identical reference numbers, but are identified by the index 4. As
a result of modified radii, only one circumferential edge 26.sub.4
of the inner joint part 14.sub.4 touches the inner face 23.sub.4 of
the ball cage 17.sub.4, whereas in this axial stopping position,
the outer face 21.sub.4 of the ball cage 17.sub.4 still has radial
play relative to the inner edge 25.sub.4 of the outer joint part
12.sub.4. A second outer edge 28.sub.4 of the inner joint part
forms a corresponding stop, with the displacement path of the same
size extending in the opposite direction. An angle .varies. at the
ball cage 17.sub.4 is the angle between the displaced central plane
and a radius through the contacting edge.
[0032] FIG. 5b shows part of a modified inventive joint similar to
that illustrated in FIG. 4b. Identical parts have been given
identical reference numbers, but are identified by the index 5. As
a result of modified radii, only one circumferential edge 25.sub.5
of the outer joint part 12.sub.5 touches the outer face 21.sub.5 of
the ball cage 17.sub.5, whereas in this axial stopping position,
the inner face 23.sub.5 of the ball cage 17.sub.5 still has radial
play relative to the outer face 23.sub.5 of the inner joint part
14.sub.5. An outer edge 27.sub.5 of the ball cage forms a
corresponding stop, with the displacement path of the same size
extending in the opposite direction. An angle .varies. at the ball
cage 17.sub.5 is the angle between the displaced central plane and
a radius through the contacting edge.
[0033] FIG. 6 shows a joint 11.sub.6 which is similar to that shown
in FIG. 1 but differs substantially in certain details. The details
which correspond to one another have been given the same reference
numbers. To that extent, reference is made to the description
above. In particular, reference is made to the illustrated outer
tracks 19.sub.1, and inner tracks 20.sub.1 as well as to the outer
tracks 19.sub.2 and inner tracks 20.sub.2 which are not shown in
FIG. 6, for simplification. The details which deviate from FIG. 1
have been given the index 6 and will be referred to below. With the
joint of FIG. 6, the spherical outer face 21.sub.6 of the ball cage
17.sub.6 is radially centered in an internally cylindrical inner
face 22.sub.6 of the outer joint part 12.sub.6, but has axial play
relative to two adjoining internally conical stop faces 29.sub.6,
30.sub.6. Furthermore, the inner face 23.sub.6 of the ball cage
17.sub.6 is arranged at a radial distance from the spherical outer
face 24.sub.6 of the inner joint part 14.sub.6. As a result, there
is achieved, as will be explained in greater detail below, a
relative axial displaceability between the outer joint part
12.sub.6 and the inner joint part 14.sub.6, with the ball cage
17.sub.6 setting itself to half the displacement path.
[0034] In FIG. 7a, in the enlarged detail X of FIG. 6, the same
details as in FIG. 6 have been given the same reference numbers,
with reference being made to the previous description.
[0035] In FIG. 7b, the enlarged detail X of FIG. 6 is in a modified
position, with the central joint plane, in its relative position
relative to the outer joint part 12.sub.6, being arbitrarily used
as the reference plane E.sub.B. With reference hereto, the inner
joint part 14.sub.6 is axially moved towards the right by the
displacement path VI, whereas the ball cage 17.sub.6 is moved
towards the right by half the size of the displacement path VC. In
this position, an inner edge 25.sub.6 of the outer joint part
12.sub.6 stops against the outer face 21.sub.6 of the ball cage
17.sub.6, whereas at the same time an outer edge 26.sub.6 of the
inner joint part 14.sub.6 stops against the inner face 23.sub.6 of
the ball cage 17.sub.6. An outer edge 27.sub.6 of the ball cage and
a second outer edge 28.sub.6 of the inner joint part form
corresponding stops, with the displacement path of the same size
extending in the opposite direction. An angle .varies. at the ball
cage 17.sub.6 is the angle between the central plane of the ball
cage and the line of contact with the edge 25.sub.6. The radius of
the face 21.sub.6 at the ball cage has been given the reference
symbol RC.
[0036] FIG. 8 shows a joint 11.sub.8 which is similar to that shown
in FIG. 1, but differs substantially in certain details. The
details which correspond to one another have been given the same
reference numbers. To that extent, reference is made to the
description above. In particular, reference is made to the
illustrated outer tracks 19.sub.1 and inner tracks 20.sub.1 as well
as to the outer tracks 19.sub.2 and inner tracks 20.sub.2 which are
not shown in FIG. 8, for simplification. The details which deviate
from FIG. 1 have been given the index 8 and will be referred to
below. With the joint of FIG. 8, the spherical outer face 21.sub.8
of the ball cage 17.sub.8 is radially centered in the spherical
inner face 22.sub.8 of the outer joint part 12.sub.8. Furthermore,
the inner face 23.sub.8 of the ball cage 17.sub.8 is arranged at a
radial distance from the spherical outer face 24.sub.8 of the inner
joint part 14.sub.8. As a result, there is achieved, as will be
explained in greater detail below, a relative axial displaceability
between the outer joint part 12.sub.8 and the inner joint part
14.sub.8, with the ball cage 17.sub.8 setting itself to half the
displacement path.
[0037] In FIG. 9a, in the enlarged detail X of FIG. 8, the same
details as in FIG. 8 have been given the same reference numbers,
with reference being made to the previous description.
[0038] In FIG. 9b, the enlarged detail X of FIG. 8 is in a modified
position, with the central joint plane, in its relative position
relative to the outer joint part 12.sub.8, being arbitrarily used
as the reference plane E.sub.B. With reference hereto, the inner
joint part 14.sub.8 is axially moved towards the right by the
displacement path VI, whereas the ball cage 17.sub.8 is moved
towards the right by half the size of the displacement path VC. In
this position, an outer edge 26.sub.8 of the inner joint part
12.sub.8 stops against the inner face 23.sub.8 of the ball cage
17.sub.8. A second outer edge 28.sub.8 of the inner joint part
forms a corresponding stop, with the displacement path of the same
size extending in the opposite direction. An angle .varies. at the
ball cage 17.sub.8 is the angle between the central plane of the
ball cage and the line of contact with the edge 26.sub.8. The
radius of the outer face 24.sub.8 at the inner joint part has been
given the reference symbol RI and the radius at the inner face
21.sub.8 at the ball cage has been given the reference symbol
RC.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows a joint 11.sub.10 which is similar to that
shown in FIG. 1, but differs substantially in certain details. The
details which correspond to one another have been given the same
reference numbers. To that extent, reference is made to the
description above. In particular, reference is made to the
illustrated outer tracks 19.sub.1 and inner tracks 20.sub.1 as well
as to the outer tracks 19.sub.2 and inner tracks 20.sub.2 which are
not shown in FIG. 10, for simplification. The details which deviate
from FIG. 1 have been given the index 10 and will be referred to
below. With the joint of FIG. 10, the spherical outer face
21.sub.10 of the ball cage 17.sub.10 is radially centered in an
internally cylindrical inner face 22.sub.10 of the outer joint part
12.sub.10. Furthermore, the spherical outer face 24.sub.10 of the
inner joint part 14.sub.10 is centered in the internally
cylindrical inner face 23.sub.10 of the ball cage 17.sub.10. As a
result, there is achieved, as will be explained in greater detail
below, a relative axial displaceability between the outer joint
part 12.sub.10 and the inner joint part 14.sub.10, with the ball
cage 17.sub.10 setting itself to half the displacement path.
[0040] In FIG. 11a in the enlarged detail X of FIG. 10, the same
details as in FIG. 10 have been given the same reference numbers,
with reference being made to the previous description.
[0041] In FIG. 11b, the enlarged detail X of FIG. 10 is in a
modified position, with the central joint plane, in its relative
position relative to the outer joint part 12.sub.10, being
arbitrarily used as the reference plane E.sub.B. With respect
hereto, the inner joint part 14.sub.10 is axially moved towards the
right by the displacement path VI, whereas the ball cage 17.sub.10
is moved towards the right by half the size of the displacement
path VC. In this position, an inner edge 25.sub.10 of the outer
joint part 12.sub.10 stops against the outer face 21.sub.10 of the
ball cage 17.sub.10. An outer edge 27.sub.10 of the ball cage forms
a corresponding stop, with the displacement path of the same size
extending in the opposite direction. An angle .varies. at the ball
cage 17.sub.10 is the angle between the central plane of the ball
cage and the line of contact with the edge 25.sub.3. The radius of
the face 21.sub.10 at the ball cage has been given the reference
symbol RC.
[0042] FIG. 12, in a simplified illustration without the cage,
shows the outer joint part 12, the inner joint part 14 and the
balls 16 which carry the same reference numbers as used in FIG. 1.
In all three illustrations, the central plane defined by the ball
centers is referred to as the central joint plane E, i.e., a new
artificial reference plane is not introduced. The tracks 19, 20 are
referred to by their track base lines and their track center lines
9, 10 only. For the sake of simplicity, the track edges have also
been eliminated. The position of the balls is defined by the points
of intersection of the track center lines 9, 10. As a result of the
relative displacement V.sub.max between the outer joint part and
the inner joint part, the centers of curvature of the track center
lines 9, 10 are displaced relative to one another, as a result of
which the control angles between the associated track center lines
9, 10 simultaneously change in opposite senses, i.e. the one
increases, the other decreases. The minimum distance of the centers
of curvature from the central joint plane E is referred to as
Q.sub.min and the maximum distance of the centers of curvature from
the central joint plane E is referred to as Q.sub.max. The angles
between the radii positioned perpendicularly on the tangents in the
points of intersection of the track center lines correspond to the
control angles .beta..sub.1, .beta..sub.2 between said track center
lines. Each half of said angles between the radii is referred to as
.beta..sub.max/2, .beta..sub.min/2. The axial displacement is to be
delimited to such an extent that .beta..sub.min/2 is not less than
4.degree. and that the smallest control angle .beta..sub.min thus
is not less than 8.degree..
[0043] From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been
brought to the art a new and improved constant velocity joint.
While the invention has been described in connection with one or
more embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not
limited to those embodiments. Thus, the invention covers all
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included in
the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *